Lab Services Technician II

LGC Group•Middleton, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Service Technician II is responsible for delivering assigned sequencing and probe projects on time and to quality control (QC) and client standards. This role will follow designated work instructions and operating procedures to effectively design, synthesize, and validate probes and libraries for a variety of technical workflows, including whole-genome (WGS), skim, Flex-seq, and Capture-seq. Due to the custom nature of these projects, the Lab Technician II must be able to partner effectively with other operational functions to achieve designated project goals and deliverables. In collaboration with Project Management, perform sample processing that meets the demands of designated project goals. Log samples to LIMS and other IT infrastructure, update databases to ensure effective tracking of sample processing. Partner with the Extraction team to ensure effective delivery of extracted material; extract DNA from, and perform QC processes on, samples where required. Ensure that DNA is of a size and concentration suitable for library preparation and bring together projects using appropriate methods (e.g. shearing, segmentation). Build barcoded libraries for assigned technical workflows, using a variety of methods such as end-repair/A-tailing and tagmentation. Prepare pools, including consolidation of prepared libraries and verification of pool quality. Synthesize and perform quality control processes on new probe panels, including validation of their effectiveness, for various technical workflows. Use customized probes to perform designated operational processes on libraries. Propose improvements to processes and operations resulting in optimized project outcomes; implement process improvements as approved by functional management. Partner with Project Management and designated Process Leads to ensure appropriate prioritization of sample processing and sequencing. Store client DNA and libraries in an organized and rational manner. Contribute to an effective, safe, and clean lab environment through various support activities. Contribute to the development of best practices and process improvements. Perform other duties as required or requested to meet business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field of study (e.g. molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry)—or equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable work experience
1-2 years lab experience utilizing molecular biological techniques, ideally in NGS library prep
Experience in the extraction and quantification of nucleic acids, PCR, or in effectively performing other, simple, molecular biological methods
Prior experience in high-throughput commercial sequencing (NGS) labs
Proven track record working as part of a cross-functional team
Prior experience working with automated equipment
A track record of reliable work attendance and performance
Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and work instructions
Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel
Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed, collaborative team environment
Unwavering commitment to business quality and continuous improvement
Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate to external and internal audiences at all levels of an organization
Ability to work effectively in a team environment, possess an ability to adapt to change in the environment, and have proven ability to exert influence in a directive and positive manner
Demonstrated autonomy: ability to self-start and drive whilst recognising the appropriate time for stakeholder engagement
Adaptable and willing to take on multiple new tasks and responsibilities while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment
Results-driven and process-oriented, ensuring targets are met on time and on budget
Demonstrated integrity and judicious discretion with business data and confidential information
Resonate and operate in line with LGC’s core value behaviours: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect

Responsibilities

Perform sample processing that meets the demands of designated project goals
Log samples to LIMS and other IT infrastructure, update databases to ensure effective tracking of sample processing
Partner with the Extraction team to ensure effective delivery of extracted material; extract DNA from, and perform QC processes on, samples where required
Ensure that DNA is of a size and concentration suitable for library preparation and bring together projects using appropriate methods (e.g. shearing, segmentation)
Build barcoded libraries for assigned technical workflows, using a variety of methods such as end-repair/A-tailing and tagmentation
Prepare pools, including consolidation of prepared libraries and verification of pool quality
Synthesize and perform quality control processes on new probe panels, including validation of their effectiveness, for various technical workflows
Use customized probes to perform designated operational processes on libraries
Propose improvements to processes and operations resulting in optimized project outcomes; implement process improvements as approved by functional management
Partner with Project Management and designated Process Leads to ensure appropriate prioritization of sample processing and sequencing
Store client DNA and libraries in an organized and rational manner
Contribute to an effective, safe, and clean lab environment through various support activities
Contribute to the development of best practices and process improvements
Perform other duties as required or requested to meet business needs

Benefits

Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
Flexible work options
Pet Insurance for our furry friends
Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
PTO that begins immediately
Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual
Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work
Company wide social events
frequent catered lunches